SYDNEY SMITH
This quotation is an excellent example of the attitude of many upper class Englishmen towards the United States in the early part of the 19th century. With the notable exception of Ben Franklin, American Science was undeveloped, and the arts were equally unrefined. However, in assessing the United States, nothing was more derogatory than American Slavery which was totally primitive and barbaric by sophisticated European standards. What is amazing about this quotation was its truth and accuracy which shows us the amazing American development that the United States underwent in the next hundred years when it would be equal to any nation on earth. The American freedom, the abolition of slavery and the brilliance of welcoming immigrants from the world to help develop the free nation produced the greatest country on Earth.
Smith was an ordained Minister of the Church of England, and was also a scintillating speaker and writer on religious and non-religious topics. However, his use of a fictional work to criticize the quality of oratory of the Church was not appreciated by all of the Clergy.
Sydney Smith was an English wit, writer and Anglican cleric.
